Resource Notices
The U.S. bishops in 1997 issued a statement on global solidarity in which they said,
“Catholic communities of faith should measure their prayer, education, and action by how they serve the life, dignity, and rights of the human person at home and abroad.
A parish’s ‘catholicity’ is illustrated in its willingness to go beyond its own boundaries to extend the Gospel, serve those in need, and work for global justice and peace.
This is not a work for a few agencies or one parish committee, but of every believer and every local community of faith.”

The following resources are offered in the spirit of that statement:



Catholics Confront Global Poverty
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) invite Catholics throughout the U.S. to join this campaign. Read (and write) at the CCGP blog.

Youth (Grades 7-12) Multi-media arts contest on “Empowering communities, Uprooting poverty.”  Sponsored by Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the Missions Office. Local deadline- March 17, 2010.

Shopping with CRS Fair Trade means you are supporting artisans, bringing beautiful items into your world and strengthening the Fair Trade movement!  Through the Work of Human Hands program, Catholic Relief Services and its partner, SERRV, offer you the chance to buy high quality, fairly traded handcrafts and gourmet food items from disadvantaged producers all over the world. Consider hosting a sale at your parish this Fall!  CRS also partners with SERRV and Equal Exchange on fair trade coffee and chocolate.   The Missions Office can assist with support, speakers and educational materials.

Education for Justice
A well-received, appreciated resource in our communities. A membership-based resource for parishes and schools from the Center of Concern.

Catholic African Connections is a collaborative project among parishes in Western Washington intended to share experiences, knowledge, and resources with others working in Africa or planning to start partnerships in Africa. 
Save the date:  April 24, 2010 for the next conference for our communities with partnerships in Africa, with special invitation to those from Africa serving in our parishes and archdiocesan ministries.


Holy Childhood Association’s Resource Guide for K-8 classrooms and programs for 2009-2010 is available online from HCA.  

Poverty in America:  A Threat to the Common Good, a policy paper from Catholic Charities USA.  Please consider endorsing CCUSA's Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America.

Social Justice Resource for elementary/middle school: PovertyUSA Student Action Project materials from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development provide age-appropriate resources for use with grades K-8 in schools and religious education programs to raise awareness about poverty in the United States and our Catholic response.